The visit of ECTT delegation was held between 25 November 2013 until 2 December 2013 and offered a high level political and cultural program destined to offer a large area of information’s to the visiting party.

On the occasion of the 42 celebration of United Arab Emirates National Day, an important European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation participated at the impressive manifestation of solidarity and admiration for the extraordinary achievements of the UAE.

On 24 April 2012, in the luxurious surroundings of Palace of Geology, the Official Opening of the Exhibition ASTANA-CAPITAL OF THE FUTURE took place.

The exhibition organized by Embassy of Republic of Kazakhstan in Romania and European Council on Tourism and Trade is destined to express European support for Astana candidature to host EXPO 2017 International exhibition.

The opening ceremony was held in the presence of Members of Romanian Parliament and Romanian Government, members of Diplomatic Corp accredited to Romania and countless Romanian and foreign diplomat’s, academicians, personalities of culture and art etc.

In the opening speech, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT ) had underlined that ASTANA-CAPITAL OF THE FUTURE Exhibition is destined to offer the official support of European Council on Tourism and Trade and of Parliament and Government of Romania to the bilateral strategic relationship between Europe and Kazakhstan and for the candidature of city of Astana for EXPO 2017.

″Astana must be the host of EXPO 2017 as it is the most dynamic city in the Asia region in term of economic development and is the symbol of geopolitical shift towards Asia as the main engine of economic growth and also because Astana is enjoying political support and economic investments of 20 billions euro for holding EXPO 2017 in the best circumstances. Electing Astana is the practical thing to do, is the common sense and the most successful choice″, concluded Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

Taking the floor, Deputy Viorel Palasca, President of Romania-Kazakhstan Friendship Parliamentary Group had conveyed Parliament support for Astana: ″ I assure you of all our support, a traditional one I must add, for Astana receiving a new and deserved international recognition as the host of International EXPO 2017 in a new, dynamic, modern capital that is combining in an outstanding manner the architectural values and the creator spirit of inhabitants of republic of Kazakhstan ″.


Finally, the Deputy V. Palasca had address his warmest congratulations and appreciations for the effort in impeccable hosting and organizing this event to H.E. Talgat Kaliyev- Kazakhstan Charge d`affairs and to Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, ECTT President.

Deputy Ahmet Aledin, Vice-Chairman of Parliamentary Commission for Culture had express the general sense of unity among opposition and power alike in the Parliament in supporting the strategic relationship Romania-Kazakhstan.

Senator Trifon Belacurencu had express the Romanian Senate salute and support for the exhibition, testifying that the Romanian decision to support Astana as host of EXPO 2017 is just an episode in a long history of bilateral support and friendship.

Also he conveyed the Senate congratulation for peerless hosting and organizing this event to H.E. Talgat Kaliyev-Kazakhstan Charge d`affairs and to Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, ECTT President .

The rest of the main dignitary’s present at the exhibition such as Sali Negiat- Secretary of State of Romanian Government, Professor Dr. Mircea Constantinescu, director of European Tourism Academy had underlined the staunch support for Kazakhstan –Romanian friendship and support for Astana as host of EXPO 2017.


A special moment was the speech of Mayor Nicolae Ontanu, in thunderous applause, announcing that Astana is having a street named after in the heart of Bucharest.

Equally warm was received the letter signed by President of Cultural Committee Mrs. Raluca Turcan expressing his pledge in supporting all Kazakhstan initiatives in Romania.

Finally emotion overwhelmed H.E. Charge d`affairs of Kazakhstan Talgat Kaliyev took the stand and express his appreciation for the showered praises and feelings of support express toward his country. This solidarity and the desire of building an improved connection is a guarantee that the present day perfect political bilateral relation and economic investments of Kazakhstan in Romania of more than 3 billion dollars are just the beginning.

In the end H.E. Talgat Kaliyev had presented a short movie about Astana preparations to host EXPO 2017 and stated that the EXPO 2017 in Astana will be a universally shared success.


The final moments of the ceremony where dedicated to a stroll along 20 huge photos of today’s Astana landmarks and then the guest had enjoyed a huge cake named in honor of Astana and patrimony campaign, made specially available for this event.

The Exhibition ASTANA-CAPITAL OF THE FUTURE was broadcasted by 6 European televisions’ (TVR Cultural, TVR Info, TVR 1, National TV, N24 Plus and Travel Mix) and receives dozens of favorable reviews in the press supplementary emphasizing the strong impression left by Kazakhstan to European public.

The Exhibition ASTANA-CAPITAL OF THE FUTURE, the most important cultural event hosted by Europe in 2012, remained opened between 23 and 27 of April 2012 receiving more than 18.000 visitors in this period of time, witnessing the powerful impression left by Astana to Romanian public.

Connected things is the best hope for progress, and for successful and peaceful existence in the generation to come.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum-Ruler of Dubai


On 4 April 2013, the cultural and political community of Europe under the high patronage of European Council on Tourism and Trade is celebrating the tremendous achievements of city of DUBAI, from United Arab Emirates, in the impressive Exhibition: DUBAI- CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO.

The Exhibition: DUBAI- CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO is designed to express the European cultural and political community support for the Dubai`s bid for hosting EXPO 2020 and to present to european public the new, lofty and impressive capital of Emirate of Dubai, a part of United Arab Emirates.

Dubai is one of the greatest mega polis in the world and has rapidly turned into one of the most beautiful, energy efficient, visionary and environmental friendly capital of the world.

We must also emphasize that Dubai is priding himself as being uniquely situated, as a bridge between the rapid emerging Chinese market, the opportunities offered by Indian market and by rapidly developing Latin America`s economies.

The natural venue of contact between the wealth of Europe and the emerging markets, Dubai is perfectly situated as the natural leader of WORLD EXPO competition.

Encompassing more than 200 nationalities, ranked as the first center for finance in the region, hosting more than 10 million visitors annually and more than 51 million transit passenger’s and being constantly listed as one of the first 10 cities in the world in term of tourism, Dubai is emerging as the top of WORLD EXPO 2020.

The generous theme, selected by Dubai for WORLD EXPO entitled: CONNECTED MINDS, CREATING THE FUTURE! is offering a large area of opportunities for the participant countries to host themes ranging from environmental protection, to economic development, tourism and ways to build tolerant environment for cultures and religions etc.

Supplementary, Dubai is representing not only a paramount fruition and an outstanding effort of the Emirati, but also an example of world cooperation in the city construction, an ambitious and peerless project: a capital for the future.

Bucharest, capital of Romania, is hosting the Exhibition DUBAI- CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO also to impress upon the strategic dimension of United Arab Emirates -Europe bilateral relations and to state about the brotherhood feeling between the cities of Bucharest and Dubai. Also the exhibition is stressing the feeling that European Council on Tourism and Trade and United Arab Emirates are building a common destiny of friendship and cooperation.

During the Exhibition DUBAI- CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO, the messages of European Romanian support for Dubai candidature to WORLD EXPO 2020 will be read out by Mr. Valeriu Zgonea, President of Romanian Parliament-Chamber of Deputies, Professor dr. Anton Caragea- President of European Council on Tourism and Trade, Representatives of European tourism Academy, representatives of Senate of Romania, representatives of Economic and Cultural Commission, Environment, Tourism and Culture Ministers, academic and cultural institutions and representatives of all political parties represented in the parliament.

It is a moment of unity, destined to celebrate a city often referred to as: a world miracle.

A city build by the greatest architects of the millennium (British architect Norman Foster-one of the builder`s of Astana-capital of Kazakhstan and host of WORLD EXPO 2017 was also involved in Dubai planning), a city that geo-strategic is marking the center of a New silk Road and of South-South Economic Road, that is representing almost 50% percent of the world GDP.

Even more important, Dubai had emphasized his role as a world decision maker choosing a daring theme: CONNECTED MINDS, CREATING THE FUTURE! for the EXPO 2020 international exhibition.

The Exhibition DUBAI- CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO is also the second public display of a Capital city for Romanian public; it is the first city from Middle East and Arabic Golf ever presented internationally and is one of the most important cultural event dedicated to a city, in the last 30 years, in Romania.

The visitors will have the occasion to see world appreciated building, such as: Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa ( who was visited by more than 54 million visitors in 2012) old town of Dubai and Dubai creek, Dubai Financial Center, Dubai Trade Center-Jebel Ali and a series of other famous sites that made the city to be inscribed among top 10 cities in the world.

DUBAI- CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO exhibition under European Council on Tourism and Trade high patronage is waiting to be discovered for a week (4-11 April 2013) in the heart of Bucharest, as a symbol of the friendship that is uniting Europe and Asia, Romania and United Arab Emirates.

On 4 April 2013, in the luxurious and impressive surroundings of Palace of Parliament, the Official Opening of the Exhibition DUBAI-CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO 2020 took place.

The exhibition organized by Embassy of United Arab Emirates in Romania and European Council on Tourism and Trade is destined to express Europe’s cultural and political elite support for Dubai candidature to host WORLD EXPO 2020 International exhibition.


The opening ceremony was held in the presence of President of European Council on Tourism and Trade-Profeessor dr. Anton Caragea and President of Romanian Parliament-Valeriu Stefan Zgonea.

Present on the venue where also : members of European Council on Tourism, representatives of Romanian Parliament and Romanian Government, members of Diplomatic Corp accredited to Romania and countless Romanian and foreign diplomat’s, academicians, personalities of culture and art etc.

In the opening speech, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) had underlined that DUBAI-CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO 2020 Art Exhibition is destined to offer the official support of Parliament and Government of Europe and Romania to the bilateral relationship between Europe and United Arab Emirates, viewed as a strategic relationship for the future of both nations.

″Dubai must and will be the host of EXPO 2020 as it have received more than 51 millions visitors last year and more than 10 million long term visitors have stayed in the city in 2012 alone. Also Dubai is the most dynamic city in the Arabic Golf, encompassing more than 200 nationalities and hosting over 200 events yearly. Dubai is the driving force of the region in term of economic development and is the symbol of geopolitical shift towards Asia as the main engine of economic growth. Dubai had also allocated the most generous resources for the venue of 2020 WORLD EXPO and is the natural center of the trade roads connecting South Asia, Europe and South America via Africa, in what is today called the XXI Century New Silk Road.

Electing Dubai is the practical thing to do for Romania and the world, is what the common sense dictate and the most successful choice″, concluded Professor Dr. Anton Caragea- President of European Council on Tourism and Trade(ECTT).

Taking the floor, President of Chamber of Deputies-Valeriu Stefan Zgonea had outlined the main reasons of support: ″ United Arab Emirates are the natural gateway for Romanian products, funds and people to the open gates of Asia and reciprocally Romania is via Constanta Harbour the natural gate for UAE products and investment towards Europe. This are create the background of a long term and strategic relations between our countries ″ concluded in thunderous applause the President of Chamber of Deputies.

Senator Ionel Agrigoroaiei-Director of European Council on Tourism and Trade had conveyed a full hearted message of support: ″Romania's decision to support the candidacy for EXPO 2020 of Dubai city is just one episode of this collaboration and friendship.

Between Europeand Romania and the United Arab Emirates there is a long tradition of over 25 years of diplomatic cooperation and there is a noteworthy decision to mutually support their applications and all international initiatives and international organizations.

Therefore the European Council on Tourism and Trade ’s decision to support the candidacy of Dubai city for EXPO 2020 was a natural decision, inscribed in the mutual agreements and part of the long tradition of diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.

Here we are united in support of the UAE, our strategic partner in the Arabian Gulf, both the government and the opposition support together Romanian’s national interest to cooperate with the United Arab Emirates.

Finally I want to wish every success in his mission to bring the two countries, to His Excellency, Mr. Yacoub Yousif Al Hosani, and UAE Ambassador to Romania and appreciate the contribution of Prof. Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade in making this special event and exhibition″

The speech of former. President of Romania Mr.Emil Constantinescu expressed the fact that: ″ it is no surprise that Dubai has won the support of Romania, a natural choice since Romania is interested in all three major objectives which Dubai Expo has proposed: sustainable development, energy and water saving, support the mobility of people, goods and ideas in what Dubai has called: The New Silk Road of the XXI century and the discovery of new economic opportunities and new development models.

Therefore I can only congratulate the Government and Parliament of Romania and Presidency of European Council on Tourism and Trade for the decision to support Dubai in achieving its ambitious goals for the World Expo. I also congratulate the UAE Embassy for their success ″.

Professor Dr. Mircea Constantinescu, Director of European Tourism Academy stated that: our institution and the European Tourism Academy are re-stating the same unconditional support for the bid of Dubai, to become the host of the World Expo 2020, and to confirm the idea that “Nothing shapes the world like the imagination.”

All the political declaration that fallowed underlined the fact that there is a general sense of unity among opposition and power alike in the Parliament in supporting the strategic relationship Europe-Romania-United Arab Emirates.

The speakers recalled that last year after European Council on Tourism and Trade announce of support for Astana (capital of Kazakhstan bid to WORLD EXPO 2017) the city of Astana won the bid to host the world expo. Everybody express the hope that, after today’s support for Dubai, and the city of Dubai will win WORLD EXPO 2020 bid.

In an emotion charged speech, UAE Ambassador – Yacoub Yousif Al Hosani took the stand and expresses his appreciation for the showered praises and feelings of support express toward his country. This solidarity and the desire of building an improved connection is a guarantee that the present day perfect political bilateral relation and economic investments of United Arab Emirates in Romania are just the beginning of a developing relation.

In the end Mr. Mahmood Al Bastaki, CEO of Dubai Trade Center had presented a short movie about Dubai preparations to host EXPO 2020 and stated that the WORLD EXPO 2020 in Dubai will be a universally shared success.

The final moments of the ceremony where dedicated to a stroll along 36 huge photos of today’s Dubai landmarks, observed traditional UAE handcrafts and then the guests enjoyed a huge cake named in honour of DUBAI-HOST OF WORLD EXPO 2020.

The Exhibition DUBAI-CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO 2020 was broadcasted by 6 European and Romanian televisions’ (, Realitatea TV, B1TV, TVR 1, National TV, N24 Plus and Travel Mix) and receives dozens of favourable reviews in the press supplementary emphasizing the strong impression left by United Arab Emirates to European and Romanian public.

The Exhibition DUBAI-CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO 2020 was registered as a sign of Romanian determination to re-candle a traditional connection with the Arab world and was highly appreciated by all Arab diplomatic corp present to the event.

The Exhibition DUBAI-CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO 2020 had being transformed in a powerful landmark in the bilateral relation, a prefect moment to boost Europe-UAE friendship and to insure for Romania a place along side the winner of WORLD EXPO 2020: DUBAI.

Among the reasons leading to awarding WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2013 title to PEOPLE`S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF LAOS,   the report had taken under consideration:

- The preservation of an outstanding historical and cultural patrimony that comprises wonderful sites such as: Wat Phu- a UNESCO World Heritage Site from 12th century, the remarkable site from Plain of Jars, offering an insight into Neolithic civilization and a rare window into traditions of centuries.

A name that needs no introduction: the UNESCO heritage site of Luang Prabang, with the gems of Haw Kham and Vat Xieng Toung monastery.

The list of historical treasures from Vientiane such as: Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple of the city and the world famous That Luang complex.

Today, Lao is offering an open air museum, a rare collection of historical and archeological treasures that educate and enrich the world.

- The preservation of religious sites of world significance and value such as: Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most important of world Buddhism monasteries and remains a significant place for the spirit of religion and traditional art. Other sites that must be mentioned such as: Wat Phu ( UNESCO heritage site) and Champasak Cultural Landscape ( under UNESCO recognition).

- Keeping alive spiritual tradition, integrating tourist`s and visitors in the atmosphere of the Lao people, offering possibility for an enriching cultural experience, are all achievements that transform Peoples Democratic Republic of LAO in a spiritual destination of first hand.- Promoting a new concept of community based tourism, friendly to nature, with low ecological impact and preservation of natural biodiversity and protection of endangered species and areas, especially rainforest eco-climate.

- Community based ecotourism is a way to share revenues and income, to support rural communities in prospering and presenting there foodstuff and handicrafts to the world and to make the base for an economic local development. Sharing tourism benefits to all the population, offering a social tourism it is a lesson that Lao is offering to the world.

Supporting Lao community tourism project as a way to spread wealth, it is a duty for everybody and one of the main reason for portraying Laos as a world example of democratic tourism , a tourism that is not only offering benefits to the rich, but to all people. Lao example must be appreciated and supported , and all tourist that are going to Lao must know that an investment in Lao tourism is an investment in the future of Lao people.

- Offering to tourists not only a historical and outstanding cultural experience but also the possibility to explore nature , to contribute to ecological preservation and the opportunity to visit extraordinary space such as: Nam Ngum reservoir , Bolaven plateau, Mekong river islands , Mekong river boat trip , Tad Kouangsi waterfall , the cave of de Ting . All this are model of achievements in ecological and green tourism that must be world recognized .


- The continuous development and protection of cultural and historical patrimony of Peoples Democratic Republic of LAO, the transformation of Vientiane in a historical and spiritual center offering to the visitor a glimpse into rich culture and heritage of peoples of Lao.

On 26th of April 2013 in a public séance of the European Council on Tourism and Trade, gathering representatives of tourism organizations from European continent has debated the list of candidates for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION for 2013.

Professor Dr. Mircea Constantinescu, Director of Tourism Academy had presented a report on the last year situation of the Award for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION that was dedicated to Trinidad and Tobago and it was used accordingly with rules and regulations and have being proving highly efficient in attracting new tourists and investor`s. In 2012 Trinidad and Tobago had reverse the downward spiral in number of tourists and revenues provided by tourism and was the ONLY country in the Caribbean region that registered an increase in number of visitors despite economic crisis.

Increase in investment, increase in tourism potential and number of foreign visitors was the positive outcome of awarding WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION to Trinidad and Tobago concluded professor Mircea Constantinescu.

Your Excellency Mr. Asang Laoly ,Vice-Prime Minister of Peoples Democratic Republic of Lao,

Your Excellency Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith ,Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice-Prime Minister of Peoples Democratic Republic of Lao,

Your Excellency`s distinguish members of Government of Peoples Democratic Republic of Lao

Distinguish guests ,

We have all gather here to pay homage to an idea and to a country that embodies this idea.


The idea is encompass in the simple truth that: in XXI century tourism has become a bridge towards knowledge and friendship between peoples and countries , a way to promote peace and understanding , a road that leads towards a better future.

We have also gather here to express our appreciation for a country and a people that will embody in 2013 this triumphant spirit of tourism: the people of Lao.


I must re-emphasize that: tourism is in the XXI century, not only a way to enjoy life, to discover new places, new cultures but also a mass phenomenon that combines sightseeing, recreation and health care.

Tourism has become, in the world today, an intrinsic value of human life and experience and what I like to call a natural right of all people: the right to move freely, to express freely and to enjoy a life of adventure and discoveries.

Undoubtedly, for a country tourism is a constant and serious source of revenue, is becoming an important factor to promote development, to build roads, to offer to people a source of income and employment, a source of prosperity.


But, material significance of tourism must not elapse the true value of tourism: as a way for people`s to build bridges of friendship and tolerance , to discover different cultures, ideas and way`s of life, to embrace the beauty of being different .

We must also clearly mark that: tourism must be based on a set of values such as nature preservation, cultural and historical patrimony conservation for future generation and exactly for this need we have carved WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD as an international recognition for the country`s that are respecting this values .

I must say what a privilege is for our delegation to honor a country that is becoming a WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION.

It is also a great pleasure to address our salute to the great people of Lao, a people that had build throughout centuries a perfect civilization, with hundreds of monuments of historical and civilization relevance ,a people that had offered to humanity countless riches: from religious temple and scriptures to literary texts and historical writings .

Today, Lao had become a cultural and touristic world power and the main credit belongs, without a doubt, to the great people of Laos, that from 1975 onwards is constructing a life of dignity, liberty and tolerance in a free country.

Today, in a world that rarely accepts and tolerates difference, we come to honor a country of TOLERANCE, in a world crowded with pseudo-culture, without a form and substance , we come today to honor a TRUE CULTURE , in a world that is loosing the true values, we come today the honor a real TOURISTIC VALUE, in a time in which to many speak and do not act for historical sites preservation , we come to honor a PARADISE OF HISTORY , we come to honor the People`s Democratic Republic of LAO .

Here, we have all gather to show our support for the values of humanity, of educational and cultural tourism . We are all here in the search for a country that offer to tourists a complete experience , a country that educates spirit, elevates soul and gives everybody a lesson in history and culture.

We all have found in LAO the perfect teacher in tourism, offering to all the tourist`s of the world the possibility of a safe, pleasurable and enlightening tourist experience.

Among the reasons leading to awarding WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2013 title to PEOPLE`S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF LAOS our report had taken under consideration:

- The preservation of an outstanding historical and cultural patrimony that comprises wonderful sites such as: Wat Phu- a UNESCO World Heritage Site from 12th century, the remarkable site from Plain of Jars, offering an insight into Neolithic civilization and a rare window into traditions of centuries.

A name that needs no introduction: the UNESCO heritage site of Luang Prabang, with the gems of Haw Kham and Vat Xieng Toung monastery.

I could continue for hours this list of treasures, but I will enumerate just in Vientiane- Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple of the city and the world famous That Luang complex.

Today, Lao is offering an open air museum, a rare collection of historical and archeological treasures that educate and enrich the world.

- The preservation of religious sites of world significance and value such as: Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most important of world Buddhism monasteries and remains a significant place for the spirit of religion and traditional art. Other sites that must be mentioned such as: Wat Phu ( UNESCO heritage site) and Champasak Cultural Landscape ( under UNESCO recognition).

Keeping alive spiritual tradition, integrating tourist`s and visitors in the atmosphere of the Lao people, offering possibility for an enriching cultural experience, are all achievements that transform Peoples Democratic Republic of LAO in a spiritual destination of first hand.

- Promoting a new concept of community based tourism, friendly to nature, with low ecological impact and preservation of natural biodiversity and protection of endangered species and areas, especially rainforest eco-climate.

Community based ecotourism is a way to share revenues and income, to support rural communities in prospering and presenting there foodstuff and handicrafts to the world and to make the base for an economic local development. Sharing tourism benefits to all the population, offering a social tourism it is a lesson that Lao is offering to the world.

Supporting Lao community tourism project as a way to spread wealth, it is a duty for everybody and one of the main reason for portraying Laos as a world example of democratic tourism , a tourism that is not only offering benefits to the rich, but to all people. Lao example must be appreciated and supported , and all tourist that are going to Lao must know that an investment in Lao tourism is an investment in the future of Lao people.

- Offering to tourists not only a historical and outstanding cultural experience but also the possibility to explore nature , to contribute to ecological preservation and the opportunity to visit extraordinary space such as: Nam Ngum reservoir , Bolaven plateau, Mekong river islands , Mekong river boat trip , Tad Kouangsi waterfall , the cave of de Ting . All this are model of achievements in ecological and green tourism that must be world recognized .


- The continuous development and protection of cultural and historical patrimony of Peoples Democratic Republic of LAO, the transformation of Vientiane in a historical and spiritual center offering to the visitor a glimpse into rich culture and heritage of peoples of Lao.

For all this reasons, among many others, European Council on Tourism and Trade decided, unanimously, to award WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2013 title to PEOPLE`S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF LAOS and to declare PEOPLE`S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF LAOS- FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION in 2013.

This title is an international recognition of Your work for Peoples Democratic Republic of LAO until today, in the service of history and civilization, tourism and culture , in the service of the people of LAO, but is also a challenge because now we are expecting your services in the future benefit of the world culture and tourism.

May this award be transformed in a support for developing the international standing of Peoples Democratic Republic of LAO , for a sustainable tourism and development and in a base for further success for SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL - Peoples Democratic Republic of LAO .

Is my privileged to award Your Excellency, as representative of tourism of PEOPLE`S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF LAOS the award for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2013 .

We congratulate You and people of Peoples Democratic Republic of LAO for this outstanding achievements.

On behalf of the Lao government and people, it is my pleasure and delight to welcome all delegates to the presentation ceremony of the World's Best Tourist Destination Award for 2013 to Laos.

Today, the Lao government and people are proud and delighted to have received this honourable prize, which demonstrates the great achievements of tourism development in Laos. Laos offers impressive tourist attractions and services for tourists from across the world.

I would like to take this opportunity to praise and express my sincere gratitude to the European Council on Tourism and Trade and all tourists for highly valuing Lao tourism and selecting Laos as the World's Best Tourist Destination for 2013.

I would like, especially, to welcome Prof. Dr Anton Caragea, Chairman of the European Council on Tourism and Trade, and his delegation to Laos to attend the ceremony and present the award.

The Lao PDR is diverse in languages, cultures and customs, which have been inherited from our ancestors over thousands of years. The country is rich in spectacular natural resources as well as having a long and civilised history and well-known archaeological sites, which further boosts Laos' tourism potential. With great effort and a high sense of responsibility by the Party and government since the 4th Party Congress in 1986 outlined a comprehensive renovation policy to open up for foreign cooperation, tourism has played an ever more prominent role in the country's socio-economic development. The government has defined policy and taken action to develop and promote cultural, natural and historical tourism. To facilitate the growth of tourism and services, the government has done its utmost to develop infrastructure such as building roads to link all regions across the country as well as connecting with neighbouring countries. Over the past 4-5 years, the government has exerted utmost efforts to increase the number of border checkpoints to integrate with countries in the region and the world at large. At present, the Lao PDR has 23 international checkpoints, of which 21 can issue visas. Laos has four international airports (Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, Savannakhet International Airport and Pakxe International Airport). Visas have been exempted for citizens of Asean member countries. Laos has also granted visa exemptions to citizens of Japan, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Russia, Mongolia and Luxembourg. The authorities have redefined that visas issued at checkpoints permit the holders to stay in Laos for 15 days, reduced from 30 days previously. According to Prime Ministerial Order No. 15 issued on June 20, 2006, these visas can be extended by the provincial authorities instead of only by the Vientiane authority as before. In addition, the government grants three-month visas to foreign citizens of Lao origin who acquire visas from Lao embassies, which can be extended for another three months. However, visas issued at border checkpoints grant only a two-month stay with another two months of extension. After implementing the aforesaid tourism development and promotion policy, the tourism sec tor has grown rapidly. From 1990 to 2012, foreign tourist arrivals have risen by an average of 20.36 percent annually. In 2012, Laos registered 3,330,072 foreign tourists generating total revenue as high as US$513,576,784. By 2013 the number of tour operators had risen to 275 companies. Hotels and guesthouses have also increased and in 2012 there were 3,526 hotels and guesthouses offering 35,857 rooms. Laos now has 1,493 official tourist sites comprising 849 sites of natural interest, 435 sites of cultural interest, and 209 historical sites.

The Lao PDR shares similar characteristics with many other countries, such as different and diverse traditions and customs among its multi-ethnic people. There are also impressive archaeological and historical sites such as Luang Prabang, the historic town and living world heritage site, and Vat Phou Champassak, which is another world heritage site dating back to the 12th century. In addition, the historic caves of Viengxay (deemed to be the birthplace of the Lao PDR) have become an open-air museum, while the Plain of Jars is expected to be listed as a world heritage site in the near future. The Lao PDR also has rich and beautiful natural sites suitable for development as ecotourism attractions and green industry without smog or hazardous pollution, which will become new relaxing sites to impress visitors from the region and the world.

Community-based eco-tourism programmes have become Laos' unique feature and have great potential because they give visitors the chance to get in touch with and taste nat ure, as well as the everyday life of local people and the customs practised by the Lao multiethnic people. To translate the tourism development strategic plan for 2011-2020, the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism in collaboration with provincial authorities have carried out nature-based tourism activities with the participation of local people by making use of the local potential and conditions of each province. Such activities were first initiated in 2000 in Luang Namtha province, called the ‘Community-based Eco-tourism Programme'. Similar programmes now exist in all 17 provinces involving 40 districts and 160 villages, and have generated income directly for local people.

Because of these progressive great achievements of the Lao tourism sector coupled with the impressive progress made in socio-economic development across the country, Laos has been praised by tourists and friendly countries across the world, justified by the fact that Laos has been awarded many honourable and impressive prizes as follows:

In 2008, the New York Times named Laos as one of 53 countries it described as the world's top tourist destinations.

The world heritage site of Luang Prabang received the Top City Gold Award after being voted the world's top tourist destination by Wanderlust, a UK based travel magazine from 2006 to 2008, and again from 2010 to 2012.

The Community-based Eco-tourism Programme in the Nam Ha Protected Forest Area in Luang Namtha province also won an award for ‘best poverty alleviation project' and ‘best services' given by the United Nations Development Programme. And today, we feel proud and honoured that the European Council on Tourism and Trade awards Laos with the World's Best Tourist Destination Award for 2013. This honourable prize will make Laos even more popular among tourists across the globe, and will drive the development of the tourism sector in our country.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to Professor Dr Anton Caragea, President of the European Council on Tourism and Trade, for highly valuing the development of Lao tourism. I agree with his comment that “In the 21st century, tourism has become an important bridge for friendship and relations among nations in the world; it is also a way to promote peace and mutual understanding and lead the way to a good future.”

The Lao PDR stands ready to continue to develop the tourism sector to contribute to establishing and enhancing friendly relations among nations in the world to make a joint effort to promote peace and mutual understanding, together entering into the proper future of development under the sky of peace, friendship and sustainable cooperation.

On this auspicious occasion, I would like to wish Party and state leaders and honourable Lao and foreign guests participating in this ceremony good health, success in your noble tasks, happiness and prosperity, and further contributions to the tourism development of our country for progressive success.

I would like, especially, to wish Professor Dr Anton Caragea and high-level delegates from the European Council on Tourism and Trade good health, success in your noble tasks and happiness, and to further contribute to promoting Lao tourism in Europe and across the globe.